THE MEDIA EDGE NAMES COURTIER CEO

Published on April 05, 2001.

(April 4, 2001) -- WPP Group's The Media Edge is promoting its top European executive, Charles Courtier, to CEO and moving him to New York from London this summer. He will take over some of the day-to-day responsibilities of Beth Gordon, who relinquishes the CEO title to concentrate on broader strategic issues as chairman of The Media Edge, such as how WPP's two separate global media buying brands MindShare and The Media Edge will work together.

Mr. Courtier, 40, was responsible for starting The Media Edge in Europe as managing director for Europe, Middle East and Africa. Before that, he was managing director for WPP's Y&R Media in Europe. He joined Hoizons Media, a forerunner of Y&R Media in Europe, in 1989.

Mr. Courtier appears to be a replacement for Paul Woolmington, who left his position as vice chairman and chief strategic officer at The Media Edge abruptly in January. Mr. Woolmington joined the company in 1998 as president for international operations to launch The Media Edge internationally. In a reorganization in November 1999, Ms. Gordon was promoted from president and CEO for North America to chairman and CEO for The Media Edge Worldwide.

In Europe, Mr. Courier will be succeeded by Hans Germeraad as CEO for Europe, Middle East and Africa. Mr. Germeraad, a former executive at media specialist Carat, joins The Media Edge from specialist Internet company IMP Interactive Marketing Partner, where he was managing director. -- Laurel Wentz